This month: Pictures from the recently completed terrace restoration. We announce a planting party to make the terrace beautiful! A quick recap of the annual meeting, and announcements about coming events.
Construction is done!
Terrace
The terrace reconstruction is complete!

The Castle has beautiful new slate paving, replacing a nondescript pea stone gravel that tracked lots of dust inside.

Plus, there are new railings, smoother paths for wheelchair access, and drainage improvements that will help the Castle last for another hundred years.

See some before and after photographs in our photo essay.
Garden 2022
Join us on the terrace from 10 a.m. to lunchtime on Tuesday, June 6.

We'll bring some nibbles to keep your energy high. You bring your enthusiasm and some gardening tools.

It helps us plan if you RSVP at this link, but walk-ins are ALWAYS welcome!
Terrace planting party!
The new terrace needs gorgeous plantings!

The terrace comes alive when it is filled with glorious color. 
Nancy Ballek
Thanks for joining the annual meeting
Many thanks to the members who gathered to help conduct some of the business of the Friends. William and Helen Gillette (left) even dropped by in their spring finery!

We ratified an updated mission statement, which you can see on our website (check it out here).

We elected officers: President Lynn Wilkinson, Vice President Erin Vivero, Treasurer Toni-Lynn Miles and Secretary Barbara Pokorny.

We also welcomed new board members: Caitlin Vickers, our new garden champion, and Rachael Keating, our new gift shop manager. We reviewed the 2022 financials, talked about park improvements, and reviewed news from the souvenir shop. We finished the day with a quick hike, for those who were interested. Thanks so much to the committed and curious members who joined the meeting in person!
Coming events!

Trail hikes and history talks!
We hope to see you soon.
Alice Hamilton
June 3: Alice Hamilton
Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center.

Alice Hamilton - a Hadlyme resident and scientific pioneer. Lecture plus refreshments.

SOLD OUT! Members are the first to hear about many events. Did you miss this and want to join? Consider a membership to get early notice next time around.
June 4: Guided train trail hikes
We are offering two of our hugely popular guided train trail hikes in celebration of Connecticut Trails Day. Registration required.

The links below provide the hike details and sign-up forms.
Greeley book cover
June 19: A politician for the birds!
7 p.m. at the Visitor Center

A politician for the birds - the life of Senator George P. McLean. Hear the story of George P. McLean, a Connecticut Senator who was pivotal in establishing lasting legal protections for our fine feathered friends.

Our speaker is Will McLean Greeley - the great-great-nephew of the senator.

Books will be available for purchase and light refreshments will be provided. The event is free of charge, donations are always welcome! Sign up here!